The International Cricket Council on Monday ruled out any changes in venues for the World Twenty20 tournament, that gets under way with two preliminary games at Nagpur on Tuesday.
The International Cricket Council on Monday ruled out any changes in venues for the World Twenty20 tournament, that gets under way with two preliminary games at Nagpur on Tuesday.
Speaking to reporters here, ICC chief executive Dave Richardson said that there was no uncertainty over the game between India and Pakistan at Dharamsala despite some local protests, and also ruled out shifting of matches from Delhi due to late clearances received by the state association.
“There are challenges in respect to those two venues. But we are dealing with those problems,” Richardson said.
“The venues were decided a year back and all arrangements are in place to stage the matches at those two venues. These challenges have reasons that are not through the fault of the BCCI or the ICC. But the fact is that we are dealing with these and we are confident that the matches will proceed at those two venues.”
A two-member security team from Pakistan landed here on the day to review security arrangements ahead of the side travelling to Kolkata, venue of their first match against the team qualifying from Group A on March 16.
The visit by the Pakistan security team was decided on after Himachal Pradesh chief minister Virbhadra Singh wrote to the Home Ministry saying that the state government could not provide security for the game in the wake of the recent terror attack on the Pathankot air base in which two soldiers from the state died. “The Indian government has shown a commitment to make sure that adequate security measures are in place at all the venues for all the teams,” Richardson said.
“I can assure you that the BCCI and PCB are communicating, as is the ICC with both parties. We will make sure we do everything were can to make sure the event takes place at a safe and secure environment,” the former South Africa stumper said. Asked if the ICC would fine or sanction Pakistan if they pulled out, Richardson said: “They are not going to pull out. Such a scenario will not arise and I am not a person who will speculate on things.”
BCCI secretary Anurag Thakur sounded optimistic about both (Delhi and Dharamasala) hosting their scheduled games.
